Suspect protein 'treats asthma'

Some believe the protein should be suppressed to treat asthma

A protein traditionally thought of as troublesome actually helps to minimise the effects of asthma, scientists say.

US researchers found removing the protein from mice with chronic lung disease caused higher levels of inflammation, mucus and tissue damage.

Some experts have postulated that suppressing the protein, known as A1AR, can treat asthma.

The research was carried out by a team from the University of Texas Medical School in Houston.

This study shows that if you remove this protein from a diseased lung, you'll make lung inflammation and damage worse Senior author Michael Blackburn

A1AR, also known as the A1 adenosine receptor, is one of four proteins found on cell surfaces that connect with the signalling molecule adenosine.

Adenosine, a by-product of stress and tissue damage, is found in elevated amounts in the lungs of people with asthma.

A1AR has also been associated with bronchoconstriction, the narrowing of the air passages, in people with asthma.

Up to 150m people around the world have asthma and the number is growing by 50% every decade.

It causes 180,000 deaths a year, according to World Health Organization figures.

Senior research author Michael Blackburn, associate professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the university, said: "Some believe this receptor protein plays a detrimental role and if you block it, you could improve asthma.

"This study shows that if you remove this protein from a diseased lung, you'll make lung inflammation and damage worse.

"In our model of adenosine dependent lung disease, it appears that the A1 receptor plays an important role turning on anti-inflammatory and tissue protective pathways."

Dr Matt Hallsworth, from Asthma UK, welcomed the findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

He said the work offered much hope for people with asthma.

"This study highlights a new role for a protein naturally found in the body, which may protect the lungs from damage in conditions such as asthma.

"Further research may lead to this protein being a potential target for the development of new treatments.'"